New Multiplayer Client Type

[Highwayman-Ed]

I'd like to suggest a new client type be available for mission building to help make missions more immersive.

 

The request is to make a slot type available that allows a mission builder to create a mission consisting entirely of AI aircraft and flight plans, but have the option of a human joining via multiplayer and assuming one of the nominated AI roles.

 

For example, a mission designer could develop a mission for a division of 4 F/A-18C's to perform a simple mission to take off from the carrier, fly to a waypoint and perform a strike, then return to the boat.

 

When hosting the mission, if only two humans are present, the remaining two slots would be filled with AI pilots. Should the mission start with four humans, no AI is present, etc.

 

I understand that this could introduce some challenges with clients trying to join slots already filled with AI, but maybe it could be coupled with a trigger or timer to state that if the slot is airborne, it can no longer be taken, or if the host toggles a 'commit' trigger via radio menu's, the available slots are closed and filled by AI.

 

I've been achieving this to date by building missions with human pilots leading a flight of AI, and killing off the AI pilots via radio commands depending on how many clients join, but it's clumsy.

Edited September 14, 2018 by Highwayman-Ed